New Year’s Day in Chad
New Year’s Day is observed on January 1 in Chad. A national decree classifies it as a paid, nonworking public holiday and sets out what happens when it falls on a Sunday.[1]
A nationwide paid holiday
Chad’s 1997 decree lists January 1, Jour de l’An, among the days that are “fériés, chômés et payés” throughout the national territory. The Labour Code assigns the setting of public holidays to a decree, and the International Labour Organization’s country record identifies the 1996 Labour Code as Chad’s governing labour law.[1][2]
The decree protects pay in more than one way. It says the holiday cannot reduce the salaries of workers paid monthly, twice monthly or weekly. Workers paid by the hour, day or piece are entitled to compensation equal to the wages they lose because of the nonworking day. If a worker works on the holiday, the decree provides an additional indemnity equal to the amount of the salary, on top of pay for the work performed.[1]
When the date falls on Sunday
The decree says that when one of the paid holidays it lists falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a paid, nonworking holiday. This is the rule for New Year’s Day; the date remains January 1, with Monday observed when January 1 is a Sunday.[1]
The rule applies when January 1 falls on a Sunday; the decree does not state that a Saturday occurrence is moved to another day.[1]
What the law establishes—and what it does not
The decree establishes New Year’s Day as a public holiday throughout Chad and specifies pay treatment for workers. It does not document how families celebrate or identify customary foods or ceremonies.[1]
New Year’s Day is a non-working holiday under the decree. Travelers should check directly with the office, business or transport provider they plan to use.[1]
Historical context
The decree dates from 1997 and cites Chad’s 1996 Labour Code as its legal basis. It names New Year’s Day alongside other paid national holidays, including Labour Day, Independence Day and Freedom and Democracy Day.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year’s Day in Chad?
It is observed on January 1. If that date falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a paid, nonworking holiday under the decree.[1]
Is New Year’s Day a paid day off?
Yes. Chad’s decree classifies it as paid and nonworking nationwide, and specifies pay protections for salaried workers and compensation for workers paid by the hour, day or piece.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
New Year’s Day is a non-working holiday under the decree. Check directly with the service or business you plan to use.[1]
Are there specific New Year customs or foods in Chad?
The decree establishes New Year’s Day as a paid, non-working holiday nationwide.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Chad:
- Décret 97-413 1997-09-30 PR/MFPT — Décret portant révision de la liste et du régime des jours fériés et chômés- International Labour Organization, NATLEX
- Country Detail: Chad- International Labour Organization, EPLex